Community invited to walk the ‘Mental Health Mile’

Saturday

May 11, 2013 at 2:45 PM

It is a short walk — only a mile in duration — but it couldn’t be more meaningful to individuals and families who have been touched by mental illness. On Sunday, May 19, the War Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health Center will host the first “Mental Health Mile” and community members are invited to participate.

Katie Peabody, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist at BHC, is coordinating the walk with the help of coworkers — all of whom see the impacts of mental illness on a daily basis.

“One in four adults is affected by mental illness, and yet there is such a negative stigma associated with it. The main reason for this walk is to show support to those in our community who live with a mental illness,” Peabody explained.

Those who want to help “stomp out the stigma surrounding mental illness” are invited to come to 16523 S. Water Tower Drive in Kincheloe at 3 p.m. on the 19th for what is a billed as a fun walk — not a competition. There are no entry fees and no registration necessary.

Coordinators will accept donations to be used for basic patient needs at BHC. Peabody explained that patients sometimes arrive at the facility without those things we all take for granted.

“They might need simple things, like underwear, contact lens solution, hearing aid batteries, and other basics. This winter we sent people home with winter coats if they arrived without one. Sometimes patients need help with transportation costs when they are ready to go home,” she explained. Since BHC opened in 2007, treatment has been provided to nearly 2,000 people.

Donations are not required to participate in the walk. Peabody does invite participants to wear green – the color associated with raising mental health awareness. Tables will also be set up at the site for those seeking information about local services. Anyone with questions about the “Mental Health Mile” can call Peabody at (906) 495-4357.